Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Construction permit withdrawal sparks caution in Thai property lending
The property developer community has been unsettled by the recent Ashton Asoke saga, wherein the construction permit was withdrawn, prompting lenders to proceed with caution when issuing debt instruments and loans to developers. AP Thailand’s chief executive, Anuphong Assavabhokhin, explained that it’s becoming increasingly challenging to secure loans as financial institutions grow wary of extending credit to real estate companies…
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Shocking outcome: Electrifying mishap on condo balcony leaves painter with First-Degree burns (video)
A painter suffered from First-Degree burns after being electrocuted while painting a condo balcony near an electricity pole in southern Thailand. According to Channel 3, the shocking incident occurred to the unnamed victim at 11am yesterday when he was painting the exterior of a third-floor balcony in the southern province of Songkhla. The man accidentally touched the high-voltage electric wire…
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Bathroom enigma swirls: Hybrid toilet-sink sparks global curiosity as social media goes down the drain
In a plot twist that has left Thai social media flushed with intrigue, a peculiar addition to the bathrooms of select European and Japanese hotels has taken centre stage. A curious traveller set the virtual world abuzz by sharing snapshots of these lavatories, complete with the usual commode and an enigmatic extra, a cross between a sink and a toilet,…
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Tears and bridges: TikTok tale of 20-year reunion reveals homeless friend’s tragic journey from loss to living under a bridge
A TikTok user recently shared a heart-rending story of his reunion with a long-lost friend, after 20 years. The individual was left visibly shocked at the condition of his friend who is disabled, homeless, and forced to live under a bridge after losing his home to a train. The user, who goes by the account name @dyb0u0wv8t8l, captured the heart-breaking…
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Thai tourism embraces easier visa rules, faster approvals for Chinese tourists
In a move geared towards promoting Thai tourism, the government has implemented policy changes that lessen the rules for obtaining a tourist visa and slashes approval time for Chinese visitors. Chinese travellers emerged as the majority of international arrivals over the past week, the deputy government spokeswoman, Rachada Dhnadirek, confirmed yesterday. Statistics displayed that 95,581 visitors from China arrived in…
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Facebook user shares sole-ful scare as child’s shoe gets trapped in escalator incident in Thailand
A Facebook user, operating under the moniker of Tuk Tuk, shared a heart-stopping experience involving their child’s shoe becoming stuck in an escalator incident. Unbeknownst to the parents, the child made several failed attempts to retrieve the shoe before the kid managed to detach his foot at the last moment, marking a tense and alarming episode of the escalator accident.…
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YouTube tactics backfire: Elusive thief finally nicked after 3-year game of hide and seek near Bangkok
The Sai Noi Police Station officers finally nicked a thief after an intensive three-year search. The suspect thief revealed that he managed to evade the long arm of the law by learning how police operate strategies for each arrest on YouTube. A string of thefts, all attributed to the same cunning thief, consistently troubled the Sai Noi neighbourhood in the…
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Central Retail and Ant Group introduce Alipay+ for Asian tourists in Thailand
Central Retail Corporation Limited (CRC) in collaboration with Ant Group has introduced Alipay+, a comprehensive international digital payment platform. The service launched by Piyawan Leelasompop, Deputy Managing Director of Marketing at CRC, facilitates seamless transactions for Asian tourists from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and South Korea through their existing local mobile wallets. The tie-up with Ant Group will enable visitors…
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Skateboard skirmish between foreigner and police sparks stir at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok (video)
A fracas erupted at Don Mueang International Airport as a foreign man attempted to assault a police officer with a skateboard, resulting in a significant online reaction. The skateboard incident occurred yesterday according to a video posted by TikTok user @angpao.cn. Clip via TikTok user @angpao.cn The clip, which rapidly stirred up an online storm, shows a foreign national assumed…
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Dead body of Chinese man found in wastewater pond in Rayong, police reel in murder probe
A security guard discovered the dead body of a Chinese man floating in the Bueang Pradit Wastewater Treatment Pond in the Amata City Rayong Industrial Estate in the eastern province of Rayong. Police suspect he was murdered as severed wounds were found on the body. The security guard stumbled upon the dead body of the Chinese man, 30 year old…
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200,000 baht debt dispute culminates in marketplace shooting in Thailand
An argument over a debt ended in a man being shot, rocking the bustling Thung Sri Mueang evening market in Kalasin, Thailand. A restaurateur was shot in the busy marketplace by a 63 year old man, Wanna, following a dispute arising from the latter’s loan. Just before the shooting at 5.40pm, the victim, 51 year old Sa-ad, who runs a…
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Thai woman rescues 19 puppies abandoned in Isaan forest
A Thai woman rescued 19 puppies that were abandoned near a roadside forest in the Isaan province of Nong Bua Lamphu. The animal lover is now looking for new homes for the abandoned puppies. The compassionate woman shared pictures of the black and light brown coloured puppies on a Facebook group on Tuesday, August 8, in the hope of finding…
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Thai tycoon Prayudh Mahagitsiri sentenced in 400 million baht land scandal
In a recent surge against corruption, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) confirmed the sentencing of Prayudh Mahagitsiri, a well-known tycoon, to two years and eight months imprisonment with the charge linked to an infamous land encroachment scandal. The judgement was passed by the Region 8, Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, who serves as the secretary-general of…
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Beach regulations: Pattaya considers time limits due to litter and noise surge
Escalating noise levels and litter are being reported on the popular beaches of Pattaya City. As a result, the city council is contemplating the introduction of strict timings for public access to these beaches, in line with the proposed beach regulations. Reports include disturbances from visitors who choose to extend their beach parties into the early hours of the morning.…
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Green airport: Suvarnabhumi’s sustainable future fueled by solar panel installation
In a decisive move towards clean energy, the Airports of Thailand (AoT) are looking to harness the sun’s power, with the installation of solar rooftop panels on the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport. The green airport project is part of a larger crusade intending to derive 20% of the airport’s electricity from renewable sources in the coming two years. Announced…
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Chaipattana fraud: Thai police nab 7 in 1.5 million baht foundation scam
Ten people suspected of running a sham investment scheme, donning the name of the distinguished Chaipattana Foundation, have been apprehended by the Thai police. The Chaipattana fraud team have caused havoc since 2021, deceiving their victims into believing they were investing in development projects in the Northeast region. The Chaipattana fraud revelation came from the police’s top boss, the Crime…
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Iraqi man arrested for overstaying in Thailand for nearly 15 years
Immigration police officers arrested an Iraqi man in the central province of Kanchanaburi today after almost 15 years of overstaying in Thailand. As part of a concerted effort to root out illegal immigrants across the country, Thai authorities, led by the Royal Thai Police and Immigration Bureau, meticulously investigated cases in each province. The meticulous operation led to the discovery…
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Tragic collision: Motorcycle and 18-wheeler in fatal Motorway 7 crash in Pattaya
A high-speed accident involving a motorcycle and an 18-wheeler resulted in a fatal crash on Motorway 7, according to on-site police investigations. Initial reports suggest the motorcyclist collided with the lorry without applying brakes, indicating high-speed travel. The accident occurred in the Nong Pla Lai district, in Pattaya, Chon Buri, and is now under detailed investigation. In the aftermath of…
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Road of sorrow: Scottish man becomes latest victim of Thailand’s perilous roads
A sombre chapter was added to the tragic toll of Thailand’s perilous roads today, as a 48 year old Scottish man became yet another victim. The unfortunate incident unfolded when Robert Griffin, a shipping officer from Fife, lost control of his white Honda Click motorbike, resulting in a head-on collision with another motorcyclist in Krabi, a province in southern Thailand.…
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Police bust sex trafficking ring using minors in local karaoke shop
A karaoke shop in Nong Chai Si was raided by the Buriam Police today, following an investigation run by Jiraphop Phuridech on sex trafficking. The joint investigation with Buriam Provincial Police, Wivut Chaiaanghar, and Phumin Pumphantmuang, Deputy Provincial Police, led to the shocking discovery of a minor being exploited for sex trafficking. When the search was conducted at the Nong…
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Historic haul: Police nab notorious gas-cylinder thief in Nonthaburi
The historic region of Nonthaburi was the setting for a successful police operation, leading to the capture of a notorious gas-cylinder thief. The individual had been causing distress across the region with his exploits. The thief was eventually captured by a determined team comprising Police Captain Theeradech Thammasuthee, Assistant Police Colonel Woraphot Rungkrachang, and Assistant Police Colonel Patsadonai Karin, amongst…
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Thai PM affirms progress of Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation
Commendable strides have been achieved in the first five years of the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. He said intense innovation and research activity outlined the success of this endeavour. PM Prayut, alongside Interior Minister, Anupong Paojinda, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Labour Minister, Suchart Chomklin embarked on a…
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Thai woman seeks online help after Satanic relationship turns violent
A distressing tale of abuse and threat came to light when a young Thai woman turned to the online community for assistance through a Facebook livestream. In her broadcast, she recounted the harrowing experience of being physically assaulted by her Satanist boyfriend following a visit to a fortune teller. The situation escalated to a point where the man even threatened…
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Prescription for progress: Thai institute’s medical faculty initiative tackles healthcare challenge
To address a national healthcare predicament, the Praboromarajchanok Institute (PI), a constituent of the Thailand Ministry of Public Health, laid out a blueprint to inaugurate its faculty of medicine. This move is expected to significantly contribute to the current deficit of medical professionals around the country. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Minister of Public Health, held a meeting with operative officials of…
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Tooth and nail: Thailand’s health services strain as dental appointments delay
The lack of medical personnel in every department, coupled with the measly number of dentists has pushed health services to the brink in Thailand with patients finding themselves on the verge of collapse as dental appointments are pushed two years ahead. At 9am yesterday, a caregiver, who was accompanying an 11 year old boy for tooth decay treatment, shared this…
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Clear for takeoff: Thailand’s aviation adopts pay-to-fly models amid post-Covid revival
Thailand’s aviation industry is witnessing growth in pay-to-fly employment models after the struggle to regain its pre-Covid footing. In these arrangements, licensed pilots are required to pay more than 1.5 million baht (US$ 42,702) for training, a prerequisite to securing a job. This is happening against a backdrop of pilot salaries remaining below pre-pandemic levels due to a decrease in…
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Thailand on alert: PM’s rain mandate amid flood concerns
As Thailand braces for a spate of heavy rain and potential flash floods between August 10 to 15, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha initiated a stern mandate to the authorities. PM Prayut is urging the authorities to devise and implement necessary precautions in the wake of the forecasted weather scenario. The PM’s call to action comes amid an alert sounded by…
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Heartbreaking find: Newborn baby found dead in Chao Phraya River, Bangkok
A shocking discovery was made earlier today when a newborn baby was found dead floating in the Chao Phraya River near a pier. Local police are now searching for the individual who left the child. Khunakorn Kamsri, the Deputy Inquiry Official at Bawon Mongkol Police Station, says he was alerted to the incident at around 9.30am today. The dead body…
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Tipco Foods executives fined by SEC for insider trading violation
A statement from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) confirmed the imposition of civil penalties on Tipco Foods Plc’s (TIPCO) chairwoman Laksana Supsakorn, and her colleague Sommart Dhupchinda. The two industry professionals were allegedly found guilty of jointly buying shares of a listed company using inside information. The SEC, which has used information provided by the Stock Exchange of Thailand…
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Quiet burglary in bustling Bangkok: Thief snatches valuables as family sleeps
In the heart of a quiet Bangkok residential area, a hushed invasion unfolded as a burglar stealthily moved through a household, stealing valuables with chilling precision while the homeowner, his partner and their one year old daughter slept soundly nearby. The homeowner, Anukul, a 30 year old factory engineer, woke on August 3 to find that his home, 13 Bang…
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